Each asset type on the NTS has different characteristics including the extent to which gas is inherently released, or periodically vented, as part of its operation or maintenance.
Greenhouse gas emissions incentive
The current Greenhouse Gas Emissions Incentive compares actual venting quantities against a defined volumetric allowance of 2,897 tonnes per year.
The new scheme running from April 2021 for 5 years, replaces the downside only scheme to a mirrored upside/downside scheme with a Cap and collar of £1.5m+/-, which means that there is now scope for National Grid to earn revenue from venting if below the allowance but will be penalised for any venting in excess of the allowance. The scheme value is based upon the Treasury's Green Book providing government analysts with rules for valuing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions. You can view our performance on this incentive by downloading our Supporting Information document.
Operational performance
We are also investigating alternatives to venting natural gas, which will identify the potential to reduce emissions from assets such as compressors and chromatographs taking into account the operational and mandatory maintenance requirements.
Supporting documents
National Grid Gas Transmission Venting Verification Statement 2019
Verification of Venting Reporting for Gas Transmission 2019